Rabbit resurgence big headache for farmers

"The recent resurgence of rabbits threatens New Zealand’s productivity and environment and must be halted as a matter of urgency,” says Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers pest animal management spokesperson.

A delegation of Marlborough high country farmers met with the Ministers of Biosecurity, Conservation and Lands to seek Government support for rabbit control in the country’s worst-affected areas.

“The Government must accept its role in protecting the environment, especially rabbit-prone properties in the South Island High Country to ensure the land rehabilitation gains following the introduction of Rabbit Haemorrhage Disease (RHD) in 1997 are not lost.

“Prior to its introduction, farmers struggled to overcome burgeoning rabbit populations. The value of RHD can not be over-stated. It has enabled an enormous recovery following the extensive damage caused by rabbits and could well be described as New Zealand’s greatest conservation gain. Farmers and the Crown have both benefited enormously.

‘By acting in conjunction with farmers, these gains can be maintained. The opportunity to act jointly will ensure environmental values are protected including water and soil values, as well as the lands’ productive capacity.

“Rabbit control should not be the sole responsibility of the landholder. We are more than happy to play a leading role in rabbit control. However, where control costs become excessive, it is appropriate that the public pays a share of these costs,” Mr Aubrey continued.

Federated Farmers is calling for the establishment of a voluntary group in each area to form an autonomous board to manage the rabbit problem.

The board would oversee infrastructure including the contract growing of carrots, streamlining resource consents, establishing best practice methodology, assisting with further research and development into biological control and liaising with regional councils.

Under the National Pest Management Strategy framework, a formal partnership between landholder and central Government should also be formed for a 50/50 split on costs on a property by property basis. This would occur where notices of direction have been issued by regional councils when rabbit numbers reach excessive levels,” Mr Aubrey added.

“Rabbit numbers have surged as the pest eat and breed incessantly. A pair of rabbits will breed every six weeks producing an average of five to six offspring. It is not uncommon for one doe to produce 45 offspring in one year and these offspring are able to breed at 12 weeks of age.

“Between 10 and 12 rabbits eat the equivalent of one sheep in vegetation, devouring emerging shoots, denuding the ground and killing off natural cover.

“The rising number of rabbits demands an urgent solution to prevent further damage to the economy and environment,” concluded Mr Aubrey.

For further comment please contact:

Federated Farmers pest animal management spokesperson Donald Aubrey on 03 696 3747 or 027 623 7157